hobo9941 Am I missing something? Why would anyone want to run trains from their IPhone?
Am I missing something? Why would anyone want to run trains from their IPhone?
Others have already mentioned the cost, you may already have a wifi device. Therefor you already spent the money on a radio throttle. Having said that, for the most part, I prefer any DCC throttle to an app. But, lets face it because of the cost most of us at home have at most 3 throttles. (I only have two, I think Brian in Buffalo had 56) So if you have more guests over than you have throttles not everyone can run an engine. Chances are today that your guests will have some sort of smart phone. A quick download later, all your guests can be running engines
Derek
Yes, you are.
The cost savings is what swayed me. I already had a layout computer and wireless, so I picked up a couple cheap 4.3" Android "tablets" at a discount store for under $50 each. I now have two wireless throttles for less than $100.
Compare that to having my DT400's converted to wireless ($50 each for simplex or $65 each for duplex) PLUS the cost of a UR91 for simplex (about $110) or a UR92 for duplex (about $125).
So for less than half the cost of the cheapest comparable radio option, I have wireless throttles. They work quite nicely, with the rocker-type volume control on the side controlling the speed (in addition to the slider on the screen).
I also built a JMRI control panel for my yard that's been sized for my 7" Android tablet. Whoever's working the yard simply has to touch a yard track to have all the turnouts aligned for that track. Or they can touch individual turnouts to throw them independently.
Shameless plug: I can't give the JMRI folks enough credit for creating such a useful tool, and for sharing it with us for FREE!
Because if you already happen to own one or can pick up and older touch screen model (or an Android phone) you can run trains wireless and save about $180 on a wireless throttle. Or if you are me, you have another cool "toy" to play with
That definitely sounds like the "Loco Palm". That was an app for Palm to turn it into a throttle. You just needed the special cable and the $10 app. Mine sucked because the plug would pull out of the ZPalm anytime it got a little snug. the cable was a coiled cable and the tension on an outstretched coil woudl pull it out. Palm's jack wasn't designed with a latch because it purpose was to sync with a computer. The special cable also had an encoder built in at the Palm end to control speed. Since the cable was on the bottom of Palm it was cumbersome.
Martin Myers
rrinkerPre-iPhone, the Palm line was pretty much it in the handheld device realm - there were a few clones as well.
This feels like the solution to the mystery.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
The only other option would have been the mentioned Palm throttle adapter - it plugged in to certain Palm PDAs and had a throttle knob, but it was strictly wired, plug in to a Loconet jack like any other tethered throttle. Pre-iPhone, the Palm line was pretty much it in the handheld device realm - there were a few clones as well. I had many of those over the years, including smartphone models (before IPhone - Apple definitely did NOT invent the smartphone). Never one fo the ones that worked witht he Digitrax accessory though, and by the time I got my Zephyr it was discontinued anyway.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinkerDefinitely no way someone could walk in off the street and tie in an iPhone to Digitrax and just run trains unless there is a computer and an interface device also active.
Well. I know there is no WiFi and no computer because after the Loconet was installed none of the members could figure out what to do if it broke and I that job fell to me. The time this occurred was pre-iPhone because I bought ATT stock when they announced exclusive rights to the iPhone and I was no longer a club member then. I did not see the guy operating, His back was to me most of the time, but it was an iPod type device and he mentioned he downloaded an app. He also had come specifically to the club to try it. It was the one and only time I ever saw him. How it connected to the track I'm not sure, but I'm thinking it had to be IR. I just know he did it. Not that it matters one way or the other now.
One of the European DCC makers has a direct WiFi connection, but if you're using Digitrax thent he only way the guy was actually controlling a train from an iPhone would be through JMRI. Unless your club is a super-secret beta tester for the Digitrax device, which has long been delayed due to the software developer backing out.
And I think RR&Co has something similar as well. Definitely no way someone could walk in off the street and tie in an iPhone to Digitrax and just run trains unless there is a computer and an interface device also active.
SpaceMouse UPinCTAlong with JMRI you can set up a wifi hub and with a free download for the app (Just search JMRI in your favorite app store) your smart phone can be a radio throttle. Do you need JMRI? A fellow visited our club several years ago and used his phone (or iPod Touch) as a throttle. We had an early version of Empire Builder and I know we didn't have JMRI or WiFi.
UPinCTAlong with JMRI you can set up a wifi hub and with a free download for the app (Just search JMRI in your favorite app store) your smart phone can be a radio throttle.
Do you need JMRI? A fellow visited our club several years ago and used his phone (or iPod Touch) as a throttle. We had an early version of Empire Builder and I know we didn't have JMRI or WiFi.
Currently, yes, you do need JMRI or similar software. Digitrax has announced a direct Loconet to wifi interface, but it is not available yet. If the visitor was using an iPhone or iPod, then the club must have had a computer connection and wifi. There is, however, another possibility. If the visitor had a PalmPpilot PDA, you used to be able to get a cable and software that let you use the PalmPilot as a plug-in throttle on Digitrax systems.
rrinker Indeed, it works quite well. And you don;t even need a new phone or iDevice, nor does it need to actually have a cell phone contract, just needs to be WiFi capable. A used old iPhone or iPod Touch will work just as well as the latest expensive new one. --Randy
Indeed, it works quite well. And you don;t even need a new phone or iDevice, nor does it need to actually have a cell phone contract, just needs to be WiFi capable. A used old iPhone or iPod Touch will work just as well as the latest expensive new one.
Good Point Randy, I forgot all about the itouch. I have had my nephew use his and it works great.
I've used the old Zephyr on my 8 by 24 layout for over ten years now. I can run three trains at once with the Zephyr. If you are operating a home layout alone, that is about all you can keep track of anyway. I always have another 8 or 10 locos sitting around the layout, with the sound rumbling away. I looked over the new Zepher Extra, and did not see enough benefit to buy a whole new system. I also have two UT4s in addition to the main controller.
Hi Chip,
I have one thing to add, you mentioned that you are going to use JMRI. If so, do you also have a smart phone? Either Android or iPhone will do. Along with JMRI you can set up a wifi hub and with a free download for the app (Just search JMRI in your favorite app store) your smart phone can be a radio throttle. You won't have to spend the extra money on a Digitrax Radio Throttle. And if guests come over and they have smartphones everyone can have their own radio throttle. Read more about Wii throttles on the JMRI website.
Good luck, Derek
Still running my Zephyr as the command station, though my current layout is about 9x15 around the walls. I did add a DB150 booster to it, but didn't really need to. I wanted a DT402 and needed some UP5's and I lucked into the last unit left ina closeout and got it for some 40% off so I just got the whole thing. The DB150 connects to my track via a PM42 so I have zones. The Zephyr actually sits under the layout and I don;t touch it, I use either my DT400 or DT402, or the DT100 I picked up cehap on eBay to run trains. The Zephyr's track output powers my stationary decoders - Tam Valley Singlets using servos to move the turnouts. Unless you plan to run more than 8 locos at the same time, you probably don;t need any extra power. And unless you plan to run more than 10 at the same time (actually, it seems you cna select up to 12 before you get the FULL message), you probably don;t need anything more than the original Zephyr.
Of course, if you pull the trains with horse power like the pic, you can just insulate tricky bits like wyes and reverse loops and not have to worry about it.
cowman Hope you find a house with a fully finished, uncluttered basement
I'm actually hoping for unfinished. I was general contractor in a past life and I can build the train room to my specs. Oh, I like Joe Fugate's use of auto light bulbs as circuit breakers.
And Rail Pro looks really cool--if the receiver chips fit in my old-timey locos.
SpaceMouseI guess my real question is what is the advantage of duplex - and with your post, is there a need for it in the Zephyr if I have it in the UT4 and DT400 er DT402D?
SpaceMouse:
The UT4 and DT400 are plug in throttles and the DT400D is the Duplex (two way) is wireless. It requires the UR92 receiver. The DT402R is the Simplex (one way) throttle and requires the UR91 receiver. All work well with the Zephyr or Zephyr Extra. I've been using the older DT400R and a UR91 with my Zephyr for a while now and find that it is all I need. I may go Duplex in the future if I get the itch.
Joe
You could set up districts for trouble shooting by using circuit breakers, rather than adding more power stations
Since it seems you are not ready to start building yet, do a little pre planning on your layout and the way you want to run it. Then do some research with those thoughts in mind. Also, by the time you get ready to start running trains, something new might be available.
Good luck on your move. Hope you find a house with a fully finished, uncluttered basement (might as well dream).
Have fun,
Richard
jrbernierWhy do you think you will need more power?
Not saying I do. And I have run 10-12 trains on a Zephyr. But I can imagine a multi-level layout and separate power districts to manage faults. shorts, etc. (Randy made me a serial interface and now I just need a USB dongal to use it. And I have JMRI waiting.) I guess my real question is what is the advantage of duplex - and with your post, is there a need for it in the Zephyr if I have it in the UT4 and DT400 er DT402D?
Chip,
A quick question - Why do you think you will need more power? Your DCS50(Zephyr) has 2.5 amps of power, which will run at least 5-6 current day engines(many draw even less power). The unit will address/control 10-12 engines concurrently. A DCS51(Zephyr Xtra) only adds 1/2 amp capacity, and the ability to concurrently address/control 22 engines.
Your DT400 & UT4 are factory upgradeable, but I suspect the UT1 is not(discontinued item). All you really need to add is a UR92 Duplex Radio Receiver(if you upgrade the DT400 to a DT402D and the UT4 to a UT4D) to get wireless operation. Any LocoNet device will work on either system(the Digitrax system are very expandable).
Unless you have plans to construct a large 'home' layout needed to support lots of multi-unit diesel consists, I feel what you have is perfect for a home layout. The $170-200 you will spend on a new DCS51 can be applied to wireless hardware. If you have not attached your Zephyr to a computer(JMRI Decoder Pro), buying a Locobuffer USB or a PR3 for the interface would also be a good investment.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
ba&prrHow many loco's do you plan on running at once? How many throttles? Sound loco's or non sound loco's?
I am in the process of selling my house and moving across the country. I can't buy a house until I sell this one so I have no clue as to what my needs or layout space will be.
How many loco's do you plan on running at once? How many throttles? Sound loco's or non sound loco's? You can add a booster like the DB150 with it's own power supply. To go radio, you need the UR91 for simplex or the UR92 for duplex plus the Dt402R or DT402D throttle. The UT4 can be converted to a radio at Digitrax. The duplex is the newer radio system. It's 2 way so you don't have to plug in the throttle to select or dispatch a loco. Also if you haven't done it yet, join the Digitrax Yahoo group. Joe
I've been living in a cave for the last 5 years. I have a Zephyr, a DT400, a UT4 and a UT1. My next layout will most likely need more power and I was planning to add boosters to it--and probably radio control. Last I heard the Zephyr was a good platform for expansion.What do I need to know?